Dawn broke over the rocky island, painting the Mediterranean waters in shades of gold and amber. Edmond Dantès stood at the highest point of Monte Cristo, scanning the barren landscape one final time. The treasure cave below held riches beyond imagination, but his heart yearned for something far more valuable. Revenge and the life that had been stolen from him.
He descended into the hidden grotto and carefully packed handfuls of precious gems into his pockets. The ancient chest, now mostly empty, was reassembled and buried once more beneath fresh sand and carefully placed stones. With the skill of a master craftsman, he disguised every trace of his presence, planting wild shrubs and watering them until the entrance looked as untouched as it had for centuries.
